Rodent Control in Pueblo, CO

1. Full inspection

   We check the attic, crawlspace, basement, garage, kitchen, utility penetrations and the whole exterior, identify the species and find the entry points and nest areas.

2. Removal

   Traps placed along active runways indoors and tamper-resistant bait stations outdoors where it’s safe. We prefer trapping inside so rodents don’t die in your walls.

3. Exclusion

   We seal entry points with steel mesh, hardware cloth, rodent-proof sealant, door sweeps and vent covers. This is the step that makes results last.

4. Follow-up visits

   We check and reset traps, remove rodents and confirm activity has stopped, usually over 2–4 weeks.

5. Cleanup & prevention

   Sanitation of contaminated areas on request, and a short list of fixes to keep rodents from coming back.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is rare, but it’s serious, and Colorado has recorded more cases over the years than most states. The risk comes from stirring up dried droppings, urine and nests left by deer mice, most often when opening up a closed shed, cabin, barn, camper or garage in spring. The CDC’s guidance comes down to one rule: wet it, don’t stir it up.

1. Ventilate first

   Open doors and windows and leave the space for at least 30 minutes before you start.

2. Protect yourself

   Wear rubber, latex or nitrile gloves. Don’t touch droppings or nests with bare hands.

3. Soak with disinfectant

   Spray droppings, urine and nesting material with a disinfectant or a fresh solution of 1 part household bleach to 10 parts water until thoroughly wet. Let it soak about 5 minutes.

4. Wipe, bag, discard

   Pick up the wet material with paper towels, seal it in a plastic bag and put it in the trash.

5. Disinfect and wash

   Mop or wipe the area with disinfectant, disinfect gloves before removing them, then wash your hands well with soap and water.

For heavy contamination, such as an attic or crawlspace full of droppings, call a professional. If you develop fever, muscle aches and shortness of breath within several weeks after cleaning up rodent droppings, see a doctor and mention the rodent exposure.

Other rodent-borne health risks

House mice can carry lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), and rodents can contaminate food and counters with Salmonella and Leptospira bacteria. Rodents also chew electrical wiring, which is a fire risk, and ruin attic insulation and ductwork. Fleas carried by rodents are a separate issue; see our flea and tick control page.

A single mouse in the garage can be handled with a couple of snap traps baited with peanut butter. DIY falls short when the problem keeps returning, because the entry points are still open. Common mistakes we see:

• Using poison bait indoors, so mice die and smell inside walls
• Relying on glue traps, which are inhumane and raise disease exposure when handled
• Placing traps in the middle of the floor instead of along walls where rodents travel
• Plugging holes with foam alone, which rodents chew straight through
• Sweeping up droppings, which can spread hantavirus particles
• Ignoring the garage door seal, the most common mouse entry in Pueblo

Rodent prevention checklist

• Seal gaps of 1/4 inch or more with steel wool plus sealant, hardware cloth or metal flashing
• Install door sweeps and replace worn garage door bottom seals
• Store pet food, bird seed and feed in metal or heavy plastic bins with lids
• Keep firewood and clutter away from the foundation
• Trim shrubs and branches back from the roofline
• Screen foundation, attic and dryer vents

Before your appointment, our pre-treatment checklist explains how to prepare the kitchen, garage and storage areas.